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Downtown Greenville alone has nearly 40 locally owned spots bursting with different plates, flavors and vibes. Here’s just a sampling of what you can taste with a walk through this thriving culinary hub in NC’s Inner Coastal Plain.
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Amante Tacos + Spirits
Another Chef Brandon Qualls special, this outdoor taco stand-style spot is the place to go for fresh air, fresh salsas and fresh margaritas. Enjoy delicious Latin-inspired flavors in the form of tacos, bowls, desserts and drinks in a stunning shaded garden with lovely views of Dickinson Avenue and local murals. Don’t miss the chip bar.
What we're ordering: the Shepherd pork belly al pastor tacos, a pick three salsa flight and the Amante margarita.
Julep Contemporary Kitchen
Another Chef Lucas Owens spot, Julep is located inside the Hilton Greenville on the Greenville Convention Center campus. It serves up a seasonally rotating menu of tasty sandwiches and salads, plus creative main dishes and desserts, and it sports an excellent bar program — all in a beautifully curated space designed by Brittany Owens, Lucas’ interior designer wife.
What we're ordering: the birria pizza, the double smash burger, or the Dr Pepper-braised short ribs and parmesan grits.
Native Fine Diner
Chef Lucas Owens’ second restaurant in Greenville pays homage to the former Carolina Grill space it now occupies with its contemporary spin on greasy spoon classics. Views from Native Fine Diner in the historic Dickinson Avenue District overlook the 10th Street Connector Bridge and the Greenville Metal Zoo featuring Jonathan Bowling’s wild and whimsical repurposed scrap metal sculptures. Fun fact: Owens was first runner-up in the 2023 NC Restaurant and Lodging Association Chef Showdown Competition.
What we're ordering: seasonal savory pancakes or the daily catch fish plate. Also, proceeds from every order of mac 'n' cheese go to Now Serving, a nonprofit delivering healthy meals to hungry neighbors.
Ford + Shep
Chef Brandon Qualls and his team craft incredible dishes and cocktails in a dark, intimate speakeasy-style restaurant that also offers greenhouse and outdoor patio seating with great views of the Dickinson Avenue District.
What we're ordering: Low Country flounder with pepper and fennel salad, plus the sweet potato custard pie for dessert.
The Homage
Chef Matt Cole and his wife, Shaina, opened their second restaurant, Homage, on Dickinson Avenue in the former Dickinson Avenue Public House space. The Coles are bringing a taste of the Low Country to this venture, and the space is filled with tons of plants, leather booths and wooden tables. The Coles also own Meating Ground Cafe in Winterville and Reverie Luxe Catering food truck.
What we're ordering: the macadamia-crusted mahi-mahi and the Lost in Reverie blackberry cocktail.
Starlight Cafe & Farm
Chef Toby Boutilier, wife Kelly and the entire family have created an authentic sense of community with Starlight, a downtown staple for more than 20 years. Sample incredible farm-to-table dishes, sourced from as many local farms and suppliers as possible, plus many ingredients from their own farm just outside of town. Its bar program is also second to none, so hang out, enjoy a beverage and find yourself in good company — odds are you’ll have new friends by the end of the night. The Boutiliers also own Kings Deli, a craft sandwich shop down the street.
What we're ordering: steak frites or the rotating vegetarian special (they're always so good you might want to give up meat altogether!)
Crush
Bret Oliverio, owner of the legendary college bar and restaurant Sup Dogs (located across the street), opened this gorgeous vodka micro-distillery to make the quality of vodka he desired for Sup Dogs (and Greenville’s) signature cocktail: the Sup Crush. Enjoy a wide variety of carefully crafted beverages featuring various flavors of Crush Vodka and other spirits in its photogenic cocktail lounge with prime views of Fifth Street and ECU’s main campus.
What we're ordering: classic Sup Crush (flavors include orange, grapefruit, cherry limeade and orange creamsicle). Non-alcoholic versions are options, as well!
Pitt Street Brewing Company
An anchor in the Dickinson Avenue renaissance for nearly 10 years, Pitt Street is a second home for many in the community and a beacon for visitors searching to quench their thirst with local brews. Serving an ever-revolving lineup of staple beers and flavorful sours, Pitt Street also offers up food trucks, live music, Latin dancing, trivia, run clubs, book clubs and more. Check the brewery’s calendar for the monthly Pint-Sized Artist Market during the Downtown Greenville First Friday ArtWalk.
What we're ordering: Definitely order a flight because Pitt Street likes to keep the community on its toes. Try the Pactolus Light lager, Code of Conduct hazy IPA and Dapple Butter Peanut Dog dry stout.
Uptown Brewing Company
Uptown Brewing serves up easily drinkable brews in the heart of downtown, right across the street from the brand-new Hilton Garden Inn, and offers an Uptown Coffee Cart in front of the brewery in the mornings. Uptown features live music, trivia nights and other events.
What we're ordering: the Five Points IPA, Yacht Rock pina colada milkshake IPA or Wild Weekend Mexican lager.
Backstage Coffee
Located in the 1903 Jones-Lee House, Backstage is a Barbie Dreamhouse full of bright colors, disco balls and glitter. This shop is owned and operated by Mackenzie and Anna Park, who feature a pop-culture-themed coffee menu — think colorful drinks with playful names nodding to “Legally Blonde” or Taylor Swift — alongside the classics. While you’re here, stop by Moosie’s Catering Company for Argentinian-inspired bites downstairs, and Cook’s Closet and Liv Vintage upstairs for vintage apparel and houseware items.
What we're ordering: the monthly specials are always delightful, or a Lavender Fields Forever Latte. Pro tip: You can add sprinkles to any drink for just $0.50 — and it certainly brightens up a day!
This article was produced in partnership with, and all photos are courtesy of, Visit Greenville, NC.